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Chief minister and sports minister of Goa rally support for 37th National Games 2023
Mumbai: In a historic event, chief minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the torch relay for the eagerly awaited 37th National Games 2023 in a grand ceremony held at the Goa Legislature Secretariat, Alto-Porvorim Goa on 10 October. The event witnessed the gracious presence of distinguished dignitaries, including minister for Sports & Youth Affairs Govind Gaude, secretary of Sports & CEO, NGOC, Swetika Sachan, Dr. Geeta S Nagvenkar, Jt. CEO and executive director, SAG, Arvind Khutkar, directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, among other notable guests.
This year, Goa is set to make history by hosting the largest-ever National Games, featuring an impressive lineup of 43 sporting disciplines. The 37th National Games will also mark the introduction of several new sports disciplines on the medal stage, including beach football, rollball, golf, sepak takraw, sqay martial arts, kalaripayattu, and pencak silat. Furthermore, yachting and taekwondo are making a triumphant return to the Games after their absence in the previous edition. In a nod to tradition and culture, the sports of lagori and gatka have been included as demonstration sports, adding a unique dimension to the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Sawant saying, “Today, as we commence the torch relay from Goa, I am filled with immense pride. The torch, a symbol of the eternal flame of sportsmanship, embodies the commitment to athletic excellence. Be assured, Goa is fully prepared to host this prestigious event, and the torch will journey through our beautiful state in all 12 Talukas and will cover all major tourist destinations in the evening, igniting enthusiasm for the National Games and involving rural areas in this grand celebration.”
The torch carries the spirit of never-ending flame of sportsmanship so let’s join hands to celebrate Sports and India in Sports.
The torch will travel to all 12 talukas, prominent tourist spots with the final stay of the torch at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on 25 October prior to the opening ceremony on 26 October.
Addressing the ceremonial event, Sports & Youth Affairs minister Gaude stated, “We are at the defining moment in the sporting history of Goa. We are not looking at the 37th National Games as a mere event but a roadmap for rejuvenated sports ecosystem for the state. With the record number of sports disciplines incorporated in the current edition, this edition will be the biggest ever National Games organised in the country. I am hopeful that these Games will create new interest and focus on Olympic Sports in Goa. The kind of love shown by the Goenkars for the National Games is becoming a people’s initiative. I urge students to be part of this process and request their parents and teachers to motivate them to be part of National Games.”
The 37th National Games 2023 promise to be a remarkable spectacle of sportsmanship and unity, showcasing the nation’s talent and spirit. The prestigious event will see participation from 28 states and 8 union territories, with over 10,000 athletes and 2,000 officials. Notably, badminton will lead the charge, commencing seven days before prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the National Games Goa 2023 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
As the torch sets off on its journey across the state of Goa, anticipation and excitement continue to build for this grand celebration of sports.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
